Moore Signs Dozens of Bills, Faces Criticism Over Reparations Commission Delay

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a wide-ranging package of legislation into law on Tuesday, including bills on criminal justice reform, consumer protections, and animal welfare. The signing ceremony marked the enactment of dozens of measures passed during the 2025 General Assembly session. However, one notable absence from the list drew criticism from a 2026 gubernatorial challenger.

Among the major bills signed was the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 (SB 432), which revises rules governing the sealing of criminal records and access to court data. Governor Moore also enacted the Maryland Second Look Act (HB 853), allowing courts to reduce sentences after post-conviction review, and the Protect Our Federal Workers Act (HB 1424), which supports Maryland residents affected by federal government actions. Also signed were Buddy’s Law (SB 581/HB 438), enabling pet owners to claim damages in civil court for harm to pets, and reforms expanding access to medical parole for aging and ill inmates.

Other newly signed laws include efforts to regulate virtual currency kiosks, extend reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals, and increase cybersecurity standards for state and local governments. The administration also moved forward on several housing-related initiatives, including tax exemptions for child care centers and affordable housing projects, as well as expanded property tax credits for law enforcement and rescue personnel.

Conspicuously missing from Tuesday’s signing list was SB 587, a bill to establish the Maryland Reparations Commission. The measure would create a body tasked with studying the legacy of slavery in the state and proposing reparative policies with defined timelines. Andy Ellis, Green Party candidate for governor in 2026, publicly called on Moore to sign the bill without delay. Ellis criticized the absence of SB 587 from the bill-signing agenda and argued that the commission would be a concrete step toward addressing the racial wealth gap—a priority Moore has previously emphasized.

“I was disappointed to see SB 587 not included in Governor Moore’s bill signing ceremony today, and I call on him to sign the bill at one of his bill signing ceremonies in the month of May,“ Ellis said in a statement. “We need to move beyond the question of if reparations are due and have a policy debate about how to implement reparations in Maryland. This commission offers us an excellent opportunity to have that debate as part of the 2026 campaign for Governor of Maryland.”

Ellis noted that unlike past efforts to merely study the issue, SB 587 would initiate actionable research and policy development with clear deadlines. The Green Party has long advocated for direct reparations, contrasting with the Democratic Party’s position to only explore the topic. His campaign is also challenging Maryland Public Television to revise debate criteria that have historically excluded third-party candidates.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore website and Andy Ellis press release

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